Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 172

Chapter 172

I smiled tightly, my jaw clenched so hard it ached as I served each

family member while avoiding Drake’s gaze. “Thank you, Mrs. Stone.

That’s very kind.” I could feel sweat forming at the small of my back,

my body still humming with unwanted arousal and shame.

Marcus watched me with open approval. “Remarkable woman,” he

commented to no one in particular. “Handles high–level business

negotiations in the morning and prepares traditional pack delicacies

by evening.” He shot a pointed look at Drake. “Not many wolves

possess such versatility these days. Most young females seem to think

their family name is sufficient qualification.”

The implication was clear–he was comparing me favo ly to Vera. I

kept my eyes downcast, unwilling to be drawn into their family

politics. My teeth worried at my lower lip until I tasted blood.

Drake’s fork clinked loudly against his plate. “Father,” he said, his

voice dangerously controlled, “I don’t see how Elsa’s cooking skills are

relevant to anything.”

“They’re relevant because they demonstrate character,” Marcus

replied, his Alpha authority evident in every syllable. “Something

worth considering when choosing a mate.”

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Chapter 172

Mrs. Stone nodded emphatically. “Indeed. A proper mate must

understand pack traditions.”

Drake set down his fork with deliberate care. “I think we’ve

established that Elsa and I are not going to happen,” he said flatly.

“Not officially, anyway.”

I swallowed hard, keeping my focus on the pudding I was barely

eating. My appetite had vanished completely, replaced by a knot of

anxiety and rage. The silver moon pendant hung heavy against my

collarbone, catching the light with each shaky breath. Don’t react,

don’t let them see how much it hurts, you idiot, I scolded myself.

Marcus’s expression darkened. “And why not? What more could you

possibly want in a mate? She’s competent, loyal, understands our

ways-

“I don’t need to explain myself,” Drake cut in. “We’re simply not

compatible as official mates.”

“Not compatible?” Marcus’s voice rose. “What ridiculous notion is

this? She’s been by your side for a decade! She’s borne your-”

“Enough!” Drake slammed his palm on the table, making the

silverware jump. “If you’re so impressed with her, why don’t you

divorce Miranda and take Elsa as your mate? Clearly, you think she’s

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Chapter 172

perfect!”

The room went deadly silent. Miranda’s face drained of color, and I

froze, mortified beyond words. My fork slipped from my suddenly

numb fingers, clattering loudly against the plate. Holy shit, I

thought, feeling like I might throw up.

Mrs. Stone’s eyes flashed gold, her wolf rising to the surface in her

anger. “You insolent, ungrateful whelp,” she hissed, her voice dropping to a dangerous growl. “You dare speak that way in this

house? You dare disrespect your father and stepmother this way?”

She turned to me, her expression softening momentarily. “Elsa, dear, I

apologize for my grandson’s appalling behavior.”

I kept my head down, focusing on the swirls of silver in my barely-

touched pudding. My throat constricted painfully as I tried to

swallow. I’ve always known where I stand with him, I thought

bitterly, my fingers unconsciously touching the pendant at my throat.

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